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The Key to Choosing the Best Computer for your Child

Students and parents no longer need to fear the idea of upgrading their computer, because now is the best time to get one. There are many back-to-school offers going on and more variety than ever before. Consumers can find different brands, specifications, sizes, shapes, and prices. With so many choices it can be an overwhelming task to find the right device that fits your needs. Keep these ideas in mind when deciding which device will suit your, or your child’s, needs.

Elementary School

A desktop computer is an ideal option for younger children. They’re more affordable and are stationary, meaning the computer can remain in a common area. This allows you to monitor their content and limit usage more closely. They’re also more durable since they aren’t taken from place to place. Smaller hands can also benefit from the separate keyboard and mouse, which tend to be larger their laptop counterparts. Desktops are sold in separate monitor and tower configurations or “all-in-one” devices with the computer and monitor being in one unit. Desktops are better if you intend to upgrade later on, while all-in-ones can eliminate cords and save space. It’s also easier to do computer repair on them.

Middle to high school

Portability is a bit more sought after with teens. Laptops can be perfect for kids who are frequently on-the-go to access everything wherever they are. A device with a 14-15 inch screen is a decent balance between being too small to multitask to being too large and bulky. It’s possible to purchase a device running Windows, mac OS, or a Chrome OS with each system having its own advantages. Windows is the most popular, while mac is known for being long-lasting, and Chrome is an affordable solution with less storage and the need for an Internet connection to use certain applications.

College

Performance and mobility are essential when purchasing a device to use in college. Laptops and 2-in-1 devices have battery life designed to last the entire day due to increases in technology with hard drives, processors, and battery performance. Certain areas of study such as animation, programming, and video editing might need better specifications than entry-level devices offer.

Keep in mind that the device needs to last through your entire educational career, and it’s best to get something built to last instead of replacing it two or three years down the road. Purchasing a computer is an investment worth researching.